Beauty Archives - Page 2 of 5

Must-Have Beach Bag Essentials

Featuredby Hat on the MapLeave a Comment

While it is only March, the temperatures are quickly rising and all I can think about is heading to the beach or a nice relaxing day by the pool. Living in Palm Springs, a beautiful, relaxing pool is not very hard to find, so in that sense, I am very lucky! I figured I’d share some of my beach bag essentials…or in my case, pool essentials.

While you’re basking in the sun by the ocean or pool, sunscreen is obviously the most important accessory. Besides the basics like a hat, fun sandals, and sunglasses, there are a few beauty essentials that are non-negotiable must-haves to get me through a long relaxing day by the water!

I am so ready for a relaxing day in the sun with a refreshing drink, or two, and so is my beach bag full of all of my favorite sun essentials!

Before I even start on what’s in my beach bag, let me tell you my number one beauty secret, sunscreen. I never leave my house without sunscreen on my face, ever. If you are not using sunscreen every day, start today, you will thank me in 20 years.

What’s In My Beach Bag…

A beach bag because well duh. I’ve linked my favorite beach bags here, here and here.
Quality sunscreen like Sun Bum SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion ($16): because sunscreen is the number one must have for any beach day. One of the most important aspects of sunscreen is reapplying it. Yes, reapplying sunscreen can be a pain in the butt but it is SO IMPORTANT. Spray sunscreen is a great option for reapplication, one of my favorites is L’Oréal Advanced Suncare Dry Oil Spray SPF 50+ ($13).
Facial Moisturizer with SPF: most sunscreens can be applied to your face with no issue. But why not place special attention to your face like you do every day when you put face moisturizer on? Your face and neck deserve special attention especially if you have dry, sensitive skin like me. I love UV Expert Aquagel Sunscreen ($39) it’s so perfect for my skin type and it doubles as a primer! Win-win!
Ouai Wave Spray ($26): put this product in your wet hair and when your hair dries you will have the perfect beach wave. I also really love Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($6): a more budget-friendly option.
Invisibobble Hair Ring ($9): the perfect hair accessory easy to remove and it leaves your hair with no trace and no tangles!
Sunglasses: Because protecting your eyes from the sun is a must! My favorite affordable sunglasses are linked here, here and here.
Supergoop! Lip Balm SPF 30 ($9): Not only should you be slathering your body with sunscreen but don’t forget to protect your lips! This balm will protect your lips from the sun and also moisturize your lips all day long.
Wet Dry Hair Brush ($10): this brush is the holy grail for wet tangly hair, a must have!
A Really Cute Swimsuit: I’ve linked a few of my favorites here, here and here. I also linked all of my favorite amazon swimsuits here.
After Sun Lotion: because a long day in the sun and in and out of the water takes a toll on your skin. Soothe your skin with a body lotion like COOLA Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion that defends against environmental offenders and helps calm sunburn.
Cute Sandals: wearing heels or wedges to the beach or pool seems excessive to me. I’m always going to be in cute, fun sandals like these or these.
A Hat: even if you are slathering on facial sunscreen nonstop, a hat should be used as an extra layer of defense to protect your face, eyes, and scalp. You can find my favorites here, here and here.

Before I leave, I need to share a beach related secret. I was raised in California and my husband, Mike, was raised on the east coast of Florida. And yet, we both agree that our favorite beaches in the continental United States are the beaches of the gulf coast of Alabama. I know its hard to believe but I’m very serious about my love for the gulf coast. If you ever get a chance head to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, you’ll be so happy that you did!

Now that that secret is out, where is your favorite beach?!

Lets be friends! Find me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Hat On The Map | Lifestyle and Fashion Blog

The Best Skincare Products Found On Amazon

Featuredby Hat on the MapLeave a Comment

As you probably already know, skincare is something I feel passionate about (very passionate) ! I am always reading about new, innovative skincare products and techniques but at the same time I am very picky about the products that I use because I have such sensitive skin! I work hard to avoid the hype & marketing gimmicks and try to choose my skincare products based on ingredients that are well-researched and proven to make a difference, while also staying within budget.

When I am searching for skincare products I look for products that will help combat fine lines and give me skin that glows like JLo’s. I mean isn’t that what we all want?!

Today I have roundup the best skincare saviors that are easily available on Amazon prime. I have personally tested all of these, so I can say with complete confidence that I love them! What’s even better is that they are under $25! Okay let’s get to the important stuff.

The Best Skincare Products On Amazon For Under $25

Beyond just my normal creams and serums there are a few tools and techniques that I swear by to give me the best complexion. Let’s talk about those tools and techniques real fast:

Chemical Face Peel – An at home chemical face peel will help eliminate fine lines and dark spots while simultaneously remove dead skin cells to provide a glowing complexion.
Shaving Your Face – I have been doing this for years and swear by it (I have linked my favorite tool abov). It helps to exfoliate your skin and gives a great base for flawless makeup application. If you don’t believe me, read what Cosmopolitan has to say about it here.
Ice Roller – Goodbye Puffiness! If you are like me and struggle with puffiness on your face than an ice roller is a must! Apparently doing this is also supposed to help with migraines but I can’t speak on that.

What are your favorite skincare products to buy on Amazon?

Beauty

The Best Lipsticks For Spring

Featuredby Hat on the Map1 Comment

One of the best instant refreshers for warmer spring weather is a new lipstick, right? With Living Coral selected as Pantone’s Color Of The Year, it’s a great time to take to invest in some of the prettiest coral (and pink) lip colors for spring. These fun spring lipsticks will definitely convince you that the temperatures outside are warmer than they actually are.

Are you ready to update your makeup bag with beautiful coral lipstick? These are my spring favorites…

If I am honest, Coral lipstick is definitely out of my comfort zone when it comes to lipstick. I am trying to add more color to my wardrobe and that definitely includes lipstick as well. Traditionally, I am a nude lip girl through and through. Recently, I have shared my everyday lip combo on Instagram but if you are interested in the perfect year-round nude lip, I have linked it below.

What is your favorite lipstick? Do you change up your lipsticks for the seasons?

Happy (almost) Spring!

Hat On The Map | Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

Beauty

Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019by Hat on the Map1 Comment

I have dry skin; itchy, uncomfortable, dry skin, and these skin issues only escalate in the winter. The weather where I live is not actual winter weather and yet my skin is a mess in the cooler months. Not only do I have dry itchy skin but I also get really bad eczema around my eyes. When I have an eczema flare up it’s so painful and makes it impossible for a flawless face of makeup.

My skin is so dry and sensitive so I am always on the hunt for new products. While hunting for new skincare products I target products that are fragrance-free, help dry skin and prevent all signs of aging on my face. I try to do a lot of preventive skincare in hopes of minimizing my reactive skincare. In fact, I have been using preventative skin care products since I was 15! A few preventative steps I take: I use sunscreen every day, drink tons of water and never, ever, ever sleep with makeup on.

In the spirit of being completely transparent, I have not yet had any injectables. I always said when I hit 30 I was going to start botox and well I just hit 30, so a trip to the dermatologist is in the near future. Once I jump on the botox train, I will document every aspect of it. I only mention this because a lot of bloggers began botox around 23 so even with a great skincare routine, our skin looks very different.

Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin

I constantly get asked on Instagram my skincare routine so its time I share my exact skincare products and routine. I am ALWAYS on the hunt for skin care products that are affordable and help with dry skin and eczema. My skincare routine is pretty locked down right now so I wanted to share the exact steps I take. After tons of trial and error, I have finally discovered a skincare routine that works for my dry, sensitive skin.

Daily Skin Care

Face Wash – Using Baby Shampoo for face wash is a very new addition to my life but I swear by it. If you are struggling with overly sensitive skin or eczema then you need to incorporate baby shampoo into your skincare routine. I’ve started washing my face with baby shampoo and it has transformed my skin. I talked about my eczema issues on my Instagram stories and a dermatologist reached out and suggested Baby Shampoo as my face wash and WHOA! life has been changed. Not only is it great for sensitive skin but it’s also a really great makeup remover.

Okay, this these next steps are super important; once I wash my face I layer these products on from heaviest to lightest. I start with my daily face moisturizer, hydrating serum then rosehip oil. Layering the products like this helps lock in the moisture for the entire day. I repeat the face wash and layering steps morning and night, the only difference is in the evening I use a heavier face cream better suited for overnight repair.

I still get eczema flare-ups on my face and when I do I use the Aveeno Maximum Strength Formula Anti Itch Cream. To effectively use any sort of eczema cream you must put it on as soon as you get out of the shower, in order to really absorb the benefits of the cream, your skin must be damp.

Weekly Skin Care

On top of my daily products, I always map out at least one night a week to incorporate a much more intense skincare routine. You will need about 30 minutes to complete this and I would suggest doing this close to bedtime.

I start by washing all of my make up off and then follow all of the steps of the Smooth and Radiant Face Peels. When I am done with that I put the Aveda hydrating mask on and then top that mask with an additional sheet mask. I always have a stash of sheet masks, I like to use moisturizing sheet masks that contain hyaluronic acid. I leave the sheet mask on for the recommended time normally around 15 – 20 minutes, once I remove the sheet mask I rub the Aveda mask into my skin as much as possible and sleep like that.

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE SMOOTH & RADIANT

This is the holy grail of products. I am not kidding, ask anyone who has used it and they will agree. It’s a bit on the pricey side but oh so worth it!!!! It legitimately erases fine lines in front of your eyes. If that sounds too good to be true, its absolutely true. The directions say to use this product every day, I can’t afford that so I use it once a week. This sounds like this is sponsored and boy do I wish it was, this stuff is my all time favorite skin care product. The best thing about these peels is they are suitable for all skin types.

Aveda Hydrating Mask– This mask is a necessity in the winter. Not only is it super moisturizing but also very brightening. I wear it before bed and then in the morning I wake up and my skin is glowing.

Sheet Masks That I Love

A very important note for anyone with dry, sensitive skin – never, ever use products with any added fragrance. I know that sounds ridiculous but products with added scent really aggravate sensitive skin.

Now that I shared my go-to beauty products and routine I would love to hear what you are doing to help your skin get through these winter months. Are there any must-have products that I need to try?

Beauty

The Best Drugstore Dupes: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

November 29, 2018June 24, 2019by Hat on the Map5 Comments

Earlier this year I finally listened to all the hype and purchased the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. Let me tell you, my life was forever changed. I’m always on the lookout for new foundations to help give the appearance of flawless skin and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation does all that and more. This foundation is amazing; lasts all day, has some serious staying power and gives the perfect amount of coverage.

Before I purchased the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation I wore the Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation or It Cosmetics CC Cream. I love these two foundations but the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is my all time favorite, FOREVER!

The one downside to the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is the price. The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation runs around $45 and that price point is definitely not in everyone’s budget. I decided it was time to do what I do best and shop around. This time I was searching for the perfect drugstore dupe to use in place of the Estee Lauder Foundation.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Dupes

Let’s get one thing straight, besides foundation, most of my makeup is from a drugstore. I exclusively use drugstore mascara and most of my lip products are from a drugstore brand. When it comes to foundation I prefer a high-end brand. I know there are great drugstore dupes out there but my go-to has always been an expensive foundation. You can read about all of my favorite foundations here.

After I wrote the blog post on the best foundations, I thought it was time to broaden my horizons and try out some drugstore foundations. I knew I wanted a product similar to the Estee Lauder Double Wear, so that’s where I started. I went out and purchased and tested a ton of foundations that promised similar results to the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. After weeks of using, I finally narrowed my list down to the top four.

drugstore makeup — Estee Lauder Doublewear Dupe

In this picture, I am wearing an Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation dupe and LOVE the flawless finish.

Okay, story time – the day before Thanksgiving I was at Marshalls looking for a new pair of boots for the long weekend. When I was checking out the girl in front of me was staring at me and said, “Can I ask you a really random question?” I of course smiled and said yes. She proceeded to ask me what foundation I was wearing, she told me she was a makeup artist and was very impressed with how perfectly the foundation fit the texture of my skin. Such a specific compliment, but I will take it. I was even more shocked because I wasn’t wearing my normal Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, I was wearing Revlon Color Stay and couldn’t believe I was getting complimented for it. I ended up telling her about how I am trying all of the Estee Lauder dupes and at that moment I made her a believer out of the Revlon Color Stay Foundation.

Okay, let’s get to the drugstore dupes.

Revlon ColorStay

I love how this product has formulas for both normal/ dry skin and combo/ oily skin.

L’oreal Infallible Pro-Matte

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage

Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation

Drugstore Dupes Results

The biggest difference between the Estee Lauder foundation and all of the dupes is the amount of product used. When using the Estee Lauder foundation you can literally use 3 drops for complete coverage. When using the dupes a lot more product is needed to achieve the same coverage but with the costs difference, it is OKAY!

I have tried all the foundations listed above and I definitely have a favorite and a least favorite.

Favorite: Revlon ColorStay. It is the one foundation that is closest in texture and staying power as the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. When I use this product I do use quite a bit of product but it looks good and it has some serious staying power.

Least Favorite: Rimmel Lasting Finish. This product starts out great but it quickly begins to fade and shows every imperfection on your face.

What is your favorite drugstore dupe for the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation? Let me know in the comments below!